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What does "spot basis" mean, in the sentence "what you want to be able to do is develop the skill to go and do this on a spot basis"?

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It's similar to "spot" as in "spot price" - what would be paid for delivery of the goods "on the spot." So it means "to develop the skill to go and do this without prior preparation."

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    I deleted my answer as I think yours is better. I'll add it here for perhaps some additional insight: I would interpret this as meaning "as occasionally needed" or "ad hoc". Perhaps it also means "in very specific circumstances".
    – Wayne
    Commented May 17, 2011 at 13:54
  • Interesting parallel from music: "sight reading."
    – MT_Head
    Commented May 17, 2011 at 15:46
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"spot basis" typically means on a one-time or ad-hoc basis. So, in the context of the sentence, it means to become competent enough at the task to be able to do it once.

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